Gossip

Philip Green marked his return from social exile this week by throwing a party at The Dorchester to celebrate his 65th birthday. The retailer recently put an end to months of negative headlines by agreeing to pay £363m into the BHS pension scheme. But perhaps mindful of the fact that his reputation hasn’t entirely recovered, the bash was relatively light on stardust. For his 60th birthday, he took over an entire resort in Mexico for four days, at an estimated cost of £6m. The A-list guests included Leonardo Dicaprio, and Stevie Wonder provided the music. This time, he simply treated 100 friends, including Sports Direct boss Mike Ashley, and ex-boxer Chris Eubank, to dinner. “It was something his family wanted to do for him out of respect for the fact he has always done the right thing,” said a guest. George Clooney put some backs up when he and his wife Amal first moved to Berkshire, and began extensively remodelling their Thames-side mansion. But this week, the film star made efforts to improve relations with the local community by paying a surprise visit to a nearby old people’s home, to wish one of its residents happy birthday. Pat Adams (above, with Clooney), 87, had repeatedly told carers at the Sunrise of Sonning that she would love to meet her new neighbour; eventually, one wrote to Clooney to ask if he might visit. This week, he turned up unannounced, bearing a bouquet and a card. “She was absolutely thrilled,” said a staff member.